Tempe Public Library’s history dates back to 1908 which is the first available written record of the Tempe Free Reading Room and Library. Now the library is one of the busiest libraries in the Phoenix metropolitan area with over 700,000 visitors each year. The library occupies more than 100,000 square feet and includes one of the largest youth libraries in the United States. The Library offers 250,000 items in all formats for circulation, which averages more than 850,000 items a year. Our mission is to inspire exploration, discovery, enrichment, and engagement.

The current library facility opened in September of 1989, having moved from its previous location which is now the Tempe Historical Museum. At that time, the Internet didn’t exist and the collection consisted primarily of books and magazines. During 2009/2010, the Library underwent an extensive renovation project, adding digital infrastructure, computers, meeting rooms and enhanced book stack and reading areas. The Library offers public access computing, a full range of audio-visual materials, and online access to a multitude of digital resources and downloadable formats from our website. In this way, the library never truly closes to the customer.

The Library enjoys exceptional community support and in addition, has an active Friend’s of the Library Organization that operates both a successful café and used bookstore on the main level of the Library.

The Library’s strategic plan, completed in 2016, focuses on meeting community needs through programs and services offered where they are needed, whether that is in the Library or in pop‐up, unexpected locations throughout the city. For the Youth Library this means creating a literacy rich, safe environment for families to engage with each other in programs that are developmentally appropriate for the child; and educationally rich for the child and caregiver.

TPL serves a population that is 17.95% Hispanic and 4.75% Native American.

Program Dates: Imperial County Free Library does not have any program operating during Fall 2017.

Registration: N/A

ICFL has four branches in predominantly rural areas with a large farming and agricultural community. IFCL is responsible for serving approximately 54,000 residents. Due to its geographic proximity to Mexico, approximately 80% of its population is Hispanic and 69% of children ages 5-17 speak Spanish. Additionally, 24% of eighth graders are proficient in math.

Program Dates: Ypsilanti District Library does not have any programs during Fall 2017.

Registration: N/A

YDL has three branches and two of the branches, Michigan Ave and Superior Township, serve teen patrons who are approximately 90% African American. The branches are located in the Ypsilanti Community Schools District (YCSD) where 69% of students are considered low-income.

Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology at Arizona State University